“As an immigrant myself, I know what it feels like being undocumented and the positive impact a valid social security number can have in someone’s life.” – Ricardo Elorza, Esq.
Attorney Elorza handles all aspects of immigration law including complex issues involving adjustment of status, naturalizations, military benefits, U-visas, VAWA, DACA, TPS, derivation and acquisition of citizenship, unlawful presence and other types of waivers, consular processing, extension and changes of nonimmigrant status, visitor visas, employment authorization, requests for parole, T-visas, SIJS, bond hearings, cancellation of removal, asylum, and appeals with the AAO, BIA, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, among others. Attorney Elorza has successfully represented clients in-front of USCIS, as well as the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). Attorney Elorza has gained an excellent reputation among immigration attorneys and the community for thinking outside the box, his attention to detail, and the relentless advocacy he offers to all of his clients.
Attorney Elorza’s interest in immigration law and related issues arose in 2002 when he began fighting for immigrant rights through activism and advocacy. His journey got him involved in several pro-immigrant non-profit organizations in Los Angeles, California as well as student advocacy groups in college that sought the passage of the Dream Act and an overall comprehensive immigration reform.
Attorney Elorza attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he landed a summer internship position at a local reputable immigration law firm in Los Angeles, as well as an externship with a Superior Court Judge at the Superior Court of California – County of Los Angeles. These accomplishments, rare among college students, drove him to attend law school at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. During law school, Attorney Elorza obtained internships at two (2) fortune 500 companies, Qualcomm Inc. and Sony Electronics, where he learned the value of high quality work product and research. Attorney Elorza was also part of the Moot Court Honor Society where he sharpened his oral argument and writing skills, which later proved to be invaluable in the courtroom.
Before founding San Diego Immigration Law Office APC, Attorney Elorza worked for one of the largest business immigration law firms in the United States and for a boutique immigration law firm in San Diego, California.
Currently, Attorney Elorza prides himself in helping his clients by thinking about creative solutions to their legal problems, being attentive and showing empathy towards his clients, as well as being a relentless advocate for the immigrant community. In his free time, Attorney Elorza volunteers for a number of non-profit organizations in San Diego County, enjoys spending time with his wife, enjoys the beach, and does a variety of outdoor activities San Diego offers its residents.
Admissions
- State Bar of California
- State Bar of Minnesota
Languages
Community Involvement
- Catholic Charities of San Diego
- La Maestra Community Health Centers
- San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association (SDLRLA)- Co-Mentorship Chair
- 2023-2024 At-Large Director for San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association.
